http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060715/ap_on_re_eu/g8_summit;_ylt=Aqcmqvm3NPyedslVmhCjXUes0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3OTB1amhuBHNlYwNtdHM-World leaders spar over Mideast violence
By JEANNINE AVERSA, AP Economics Writer 8 minutes ago
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia - Leaders of the world's industrial powers clashed Saturday over the escalating violence in the Middle East even as the summit host, Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged, "We will find common ground on this."
The leaders opened the summit — the first in Russia — with a dinner at the opulent 18th century Peterhof Palace, which was extensively damaged during World War II and then painstakingly rebuilt. Formal talks were to begin Sunday at a second palace that doubles as Putin's residence while he is in St. Petersburg.
Putin had wanted this year's Group of Eight summit to focus on bolstering energy supplies, boosting education and fighting infectious diseases. But the military conflict between Israel and Lebanon is dominating the discussions. Iran's and North Korea's nuclear ambitions also are likely to overtake the agenda.
"We've got a lot to work on," President Bush acknowledged.
Putin demonstrated he was prepared to put in long hours, holding a midnight news conference after attending the summit's opening dinner. And to applause from journalists, Putin said he would make himself available again Sunday night to keep the world informed of the deliberations.